Tips For Living With A Chronic Illness

Some of you already know, but for those who don’t, I have been living with a chronic illness for the past 11 months. Some days are more normal and I can still do day to day things that most Teenagers do. But other days I am stuck in bed or on the couch. I have definitely learnt a lot since I got sick and I wanted to be able to share some of my best tips. To hopefully, help other people going through the same thing.

Cause lets face it, living with a chronic Illness sucks!! But hopefully, some of these tips will be able to make it a little more bearable.

COMFORT BOX:

Fill a box or basket full of things to do for the days you’re stuck in bed or on the couch. Chose things that you enjoy doing but don’t take much energy or brain power. I love doing this cause it helps me to feel like I’ve been productive and its a great distraction!

My Comfort Box Essentials:

  • My Favourite Book or one I’m currently reading
  • Coloured Pens or Pencils
  • A Mindfulness Colouring Book
  • Notebook or Blog Planner
  • Makeup Box
  • Magazine
  • Favourite Movies (usually a Christmas one)

And of course, my everyday essentials, a heat pack and a cosy blanket cause comfort is key!

LIMITED DIET:

If you have a limited diet (like me!) then you know how boring and sometimes frustrating It Is to eat the same thing every day. So try coming up with tonnes of different ways you can prepare your meals so that It feels like you aren’t always eating the same thing. It’s so easy but it actually makes a huge difference and you’d be surprised on what you can come up with!

GET INSPIRED:

Read books or watch videos that inspire you to help get out of the self-pity space. It’s so easy to fall into the downward spiral! This has been so helpful for me, to help stay positive and to give me hope that things will get better, I just have to have faith. Some of my favourites are:

  • Janine Shepard: I first found out about Janine Shepard’s story through my mum. After watching her talk on Ted Talk I was finally able to accept where I was at with my illness and that even if I had to deal with it for the rest of my life I would still be ok! Check out her ted talk here
  • Georgia Cate: I discovered Georgia’s video while looking up other peoples stories with chronic illnesses and how they deal with it. I found her video so relatable and it helped me feel more ok with the days I couldn’t do much. Check out her video here
  • Sarahs Day: I found Sarah’s channel while trying to learn more about healing your gut. Her videos inspire me so much because no matter what happens to her health or in her life she tries to be as positive as possible and be proactive with her health. I also loved that like me try the mainstream medicine and natural medicine approach. Check out her video here

SOCIAL LIFE:

Text or call your friends because even though you may not be well enough to hang out with them or do the things you used to atm. It is so so important to stay in contact with them and to not lose the friendship! Isolating yourself is not good for your Mental Health or overall Wellbeing. Lately, I’ve been focusing more on chatting with my friends either through text or face time and it’s made me feel so much happier in myself <3

NEW HOBBY:

Try to find something you love that you can easily spend your days doing. When I first got sick I was really bummed as I no longer had the energy to do anything that I used to do. Then my Mum told me to use my love of writing and start a blog. I jumped on the idea because I loved that I still had a creative outlet, but it was also something I could still do on the days I was stuck in bed. I’ve loved every minute of having my blog, my confidence around social networking has grown so much. And I’ve learnt so many new skills along the way! But most importantly I found my voice. My blog means so much to me and helps me to express myself and I am so grateful to have it and the amazing people that support me! So if there is something you really want to do like embroidery, drawing or even blogging! Go for it cause you never know where it may lead you xx

Get Ready For The Day:

It’s so simple yet I find it makes the biggest difference in how I feel. Getting up and having a shower and just doing the basics to get ready for the day can really help to improve your mood. I also love doing my makeup on days when I’m feeling extra yuck. that way even if I’m stuck in bed for the rest of the day I feel a little happier! Cause its something I’ve always loved doing and it helps me to feel a bit more “normal”.

Fueling Your Body:

Fueling your body is so so important when you are sick. And so many people underestimate the effect food has on your body ( I did before I got sick!). Focus on the type of food you a using to fuel your body and take the time to research the type of foods you should be eating to help with your illness. For me especially since I’m dealing with stomach/ gut issues. Choosing the right foods is so crucial, I mainly stick to an alkaline diet to help bring down the inflammation and to help heal my stomach. So focusing on eating lots of healthy fats like avocados and making sure I have enough carbs to sustain my body and help keep my energy levels up.

I know that this was a long post but I had so much information I wanted to share. I really hope some of these tips were helpful for anyone else dealing with a chronic illness! If you want me to do more chronic illness related posts ( how to deal with flare-ups, easy ways to be productive etc) let me know. And please remember your not alone in this and to make sure you’re taking care of your mental health as well <3

– Do you have a chronic illness or know someone who does? And do you have any tips for dealing with it? Comment down below I’d love to know! xx

 

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